British Columbia Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters
British Columbia Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters
Top British Columbia Chinook Salmon Fishing Destinations
Top British Columbia Chinook Salmon Fishing Destinations
Best Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in British Columbia
Best Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in British Columbia
British Columbia: 121 fishing charters available
Instant Confirmation
Instant Confirmation
Instant Confirmation
Instant Confirmation
Chinook Salmon Fishing in British Columbia
Chinook Salmon Fishing in British Columbia
- Size 10-50 lbs
- Food Value Excellent
- Game Qualities Good
- Habitats Inshore, Lake, River, Nearshore
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
The world class Salmon fishing British Columbia is known for lives up to its reputation. Chinook Salmon, the largest of the Pacific species, is just one out of five different kinds of Salmon you can hook into here. This bad boy is biting all year and can reach up to 60 lbs in size. Add to that a list of Coho, Sockeye, Chum, and Pink Salmon, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for unbeatable sport fishing.
When to fish for Salmon in British Columbia
The Salmon fishing BC yields each year is full of non-stop action. Every species has its own seasonality, but you can expect to hook into multiple kinds while fishing in summer and fall—when you will also find some of the largest specimens.
Chinook Salmon, also known locally as Spring Salmon, range from 3-60 lbs in size. Even in winter and spring, this fish is plentiful. Early in the year, you will find Chinook less than 10 miles from shore.
Chinook weighing more than 30 lbs are called “Tyees,” and they usually make an appearance in July and August. Tyees are known for putting up a spectacular fight, which makes this fish number-one on many bucket lists.
Despite the Chinook’s impressive reputation, the hardest fighting Salmon pound-for-pound is Coho (also called Silver Salmon). Die-hard light tackle fishing fans start targeting Coho in June, eager to witness his swift and acrobatic fighting power.
Coho Salmon stick around through October, when some specimens reach up to 10 lbs in size. At this time of year you can enter the Coho Derby for a chance to keep up to four Coho in a day.
In late summer and fall you can also enjoy fishing for Pink, Chum, and Sockeye Salmon (the last of these being the most delicious of all the BC varieties). These species see a much shorter season than Chinook and Coho. You can only fish for Pink Salmon in odd-number years.
While you are welcome to fish for Salmon at any time, you cannot always keep them. Keep an eye out for seasonal closures, size limits, and bag limits so you know what to expect before heading out on the water. You can learn more about different species and regulations online.
The BC Salmon Fishing Experience
You can enjoy excellent Salmon fishing in British Columbia no matter your travel plans or budget, from a remote getaway to a half day trip just minutes from the center of town.
Fly-in Fishing Lodges
Hardcore anglers can choose from dozens of BC Salmon fishing lodges, many accessible only by plane. These angler-centric resorts allow you to book a guided excursion in remote wilderness, where you will spend days on end reaping the rewards of British Columbia’s world class fishery.
Hardcore anglers can choose from dozens of BC Salmon fishing lodges, many accessible only by plane. These angler-centric resorts allow you to book a guided excursion in remote wilderness, where you will spend days on end reaping the rewards of British Columbia’s world class fishery.
The Queen Charlotte Islands on BC’s north coast are a popular destination for Salmon fishing lodges. Most notably, Langara Island at the northernmost tip of the islands is known for producing 60+ lb Tyees in summer.
Day Trips
If you plan on Salmon fishing in BC on a tighter budget, you’ll find no shortage of half day and full day charters on Vancouver Island. Fishing from Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Renfrew, Sooke, or Victoria gives you almost immediate access to the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and the Pacific Ocean.
If you plan on Salmon fishing in BC on a tighter budget, you’ll find no shortage of half day and full day charters on Vancouver Island. Fishing from Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Renfrew, Sooke, or Victoria gives you almost immediate access to the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and the Pacific Ocean.
Of course, there’s no place like the province capital to experience some of the best Salmon fishing British Columbia has to offer. You will find plenty of Vancouver Salmon fishing charters which take you through local waters such as Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound, and the Salish Sea. A trip from Vancouver to the Gulf Islands gives you a chance to target really big Chinook.
River Fishing
Set your sights on Campbell River for the best Salmon fishing Vancouver Island has in store. Located on the central-eastern coast of Vancouver Island, this “Salmon fishing capital” hosts all the local varieties, including Tyees when they’re in season.
Set your sights on Campbell River for the best Salmon fishing Vancouver Island has in store. Located on the central-eastern coast of Vancouver Island, this “Salmon fishing capital” hosts all the local varieties, including Tyees when they’re in season.
Or seek out some BC freshwater fly fishing action in any number of rivers throughout the province. The Squamish River system north of Vancouver plays host to Pink, Chum, and Coho Salmon in late summer and fall. The Pitt River (west of Vancouver) and Fraser River (west and directly south) host magnificent runs of all five Salmon species.
BC Salmon Fishing Styles
Trolling
The most common method of Salmon fishing in British Columbia is trolling. Depending on the species and the time of year, you might drag bait and lures close to the surface or deep troll in depths greater than 100 feet. Specific techniques and bait choices vary widely depending on where you fish.
The most common method of Salmon fishing in British Columbia is trolling. Depending on the species and the time of year, you might drag bait and lures close to the surface or deep troll in depths greater than 100 feet. Specific techniques and bait choices vary widely depending on where you fish.
“Mooching” is a more specific technique used by local fishermen which involves slow trolling a weighted line and rigged bait. Mooching keeps the line and bait at a 45-degree angle, three to five feet off the ocean floor.
Anchovies are the most popular bait for Chinook Salmon, both in shallow and deep water.
Lures such as spoons and hoochies also have their place in local Salmon fishing. Hoochies, a squid-like artificial, come in several sizes: “plankton,” “squirt,” and “hoochie.” These should always be used with a flasher.
In cooler months, you might troll with squirts or hoochies for smaller Chinook in water 120-150 feet deep. You can also target saltwater Coho close to the surface by trolling spoons and hoochies, usually in deep water. This method will bring you Sockeye and Pink Salmon in late summer.
Fly Fishing
You can target northern Coho in the fall using a fly rod to cast a lightly weighted bucktail 12-20 feet behind a moving boat. This method (known as “bucktailing”) combines saltwater fly fishing with trolling. You can also troll a weighted or unweighted streamer fly close to the surface. For best results, troll at 5-8 knots and keep an eye out for the wake from a charging fish.
You can target northern Coho in the fall using a fly rod to cast a lightly weighted bucktail 12-20 feet behind a moving boat. This method (known as “bucktailing”) combines saltwater fly fishing with trolling. You can also troll a weighted or unweighted streamer fly close to the surface. For best results, troll at 5-8 knots and keep an eye out for the wake from a charging fish.
Bucktailing calls for a 8.5-9’ fly rod and a 6-8 weight line. The rod should have a long extension handle and a Salmon fly reel that can hold 600 yards of 8 lb test monofilament.
While fly fishing for Salmon in the rivers, try casting below the areas where Salmon usually spawn, using egg or minnow patterns. This tactic calls for a 4-weight fly rod, a floating line, and strike indicators.
British Columbia Chinook Salmon Fishing Seasons
British Columbia Chinook Salmon Fishing Seasons
Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...
Seasonality
Chinook Salmon fishing in British Columbia varies slightly throughout the year. High season is May to October. Low season is January to April and November to December. There is no closed season.
British Columbia
4.5
/
5
Based on 24,802 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Chinook Salmon Fishing in British Columbia
What anglers said about Chinook Salmon Fishing in British Columbia
I didn't know it was peak season for salmon when I went, and even though we didn't catch anything, I had a great time out on the water with Roy. You can't expect to catch a bunch of fish every time you go fishing, that's not the point. I made a new friend today, and that's more important.
5.0
/
5
I didn't know it was peak season for salmon when I went, and even though we didn't catch anything, I had a great time out on the water with Roy. You can't expect to catch a bunch of fish every time you go fishing, that's not the point. I made a new friend today, and that's more important.
Kevin T.
Fallbrook, CA
Go with the springroll crew! They are extremely experienced and you will not be disappointed.
Nick and Chris are the best at what they do, you will catch fish and you will have a great experience.
happy fishing anglers
5.0
/
5
Go with the springroll crew! They are extremely experienced and you will not be disappointed.
Nick and Chris are the best at what they do, you will catch fish and you will have a great experience.
happy fishing anglers
Douglas H.
Edmonton, Alberta
Go with Royce and Kelly at Northwest Saltwater Adventure Charters!! They know all the good spots, and their boat and equipment are top notch!
5.0
/
5
Go with Royce and Kelly at Northwest Saltwater Adventure Charters!! They know all the good spots, and their boat and equipment are top notch!
David R.
Stanwood, WA
The water is relatively calm. The scenery is great and the fishing is better than I expected.
5.0
/
5
The water is relatively calm. The scenery is great and the fishing is better than I expected.
Steve W.
Shawnigan Lake, BC
We were a bit late in the season and we were not able to keep the wild Coho we caught. We would not have been able to eat more than the Spring we kept anyway since we are on holiday's. It was an enjoyable day on the boat regardless.
5.0
/
5
We were a bit late in the season and we were not able to keep the wild Coho we caught. We would not have been able to eat more than the Spring we kept anyway since we are on holiday's. It was an enjoyable day on the boat regardless.
Doug S.
Calgary, AB
Jacket or light raincoat comes in handy. Know that the seals will nab a meal off your hook when around
4.7
/
5
Jacket or light raincoat comes in handy. Know that the seals will nab a meal off your hook when around
Bill J.
Vancouver, British Columbia
yes, but must provide an address where to meet the captain on the day of fishing. Udo
4.7
/
5
yes, but must provide an address where to meet the captain on the day of fishing. Udo
Udo K.
Sooke, BC
Easy to access, lots to catch, no need to travel far by boat, friendly people
5.0
/
5
Easy to access, lots to catch, no need to travel far by boat, friendly people
Simon L.
Richmond, British Columbia
Scott at Mongoose fishing charters is top notch. Great boat, great captain.
5.0
/
5
Scott at Mongoose fishing charters is top notch. Great boat, great captain.
Charles N.
North Vancouver, BC
Be ready for any weather. Always remember it is called "fishing "not "catching" so never be disappointed if you don't get a limit just enjoy what you do catch and the amazing beauty of the north coast..
5.0
/
5
Be ready for any weather. Always remember it is called "fishing "not "catching" so never be disappointed if you don't get a limit just enjoy what you do catch and the amazing beauty of the north coast..
Ray M.
Surrey, BC
Big hungry fish after the winter famine - not easy to catch but the quality of the fishing is excellent
5.0
/
5
Big hungry fish after the winter famine - not easy to catch but the quality of the fishing is excellent
Mark J.
Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
Make your booking with Tory Howe of Goin Coastal - then just relax, knowing you'll have a great experience!
5.0
/
5
Make your booking with Tory Howe of Goin Coastal - then just relax, knowing you'll have a great experience!
Karol R.
Vancouver, BC
great captain specially for first timer very friendly and very knowledgeable
5.0
/
5
great captain specially for first timer very friendly and very knowledgeable
Denis R.
Surrey, BC
Fantastic place to fish as we were within ten minutes from the marina allowing more time for the rods to be in the water for Salmon fishing. I highly recommend the Sooke area and we will be back again.
5.0
/
5
Fantastic place to fish as we were within ten minutes from the marina allowing more time for the rods to be in the water for Salmon fishing. I highly recommend the Sooke area and we will be back again.
Lisa M.
Kamloops, British Columbia
Nothing at all. It was hot the day we went. Only advise would be to bring plenty of water
5.0
/
5
Nothing at all. It was hot the day we went. Only advise would be to bring plenty of water
Wayne A.
Victoria, BC
Go out with a captain who knows where the fish are because it is easy to waste the day fishing empty waters.
5.0
/
5
Go out with a captain who knows where the fish are because it is easy to waste the day fishing empty waters.
Tom N.
Ladysmith, BC
If someone wants to go fishing in Comox for the first time, they should charter a trip via Fishbooker.
5.0
/
5
If someone wants to go fishing in Comox for the first time, they should charter a trip via Fishbooker.
Karl-heinrich H.
Hofgeismar, HE
Amazing salmon fishing! Give yourself plenty of time to figure out the conveluted online fishing license website. As a non Canadian resident, halibut is not allowed in the waters around sooke. If you want halibut and Salmon, port Renfrew is the place to be from what I understand. If in sooke, book with Travis!
5.0
/
5
Amazing salmon fishing! Give yourself plenty of time to figure out the conveluted online fishing license website. As a non Canadian resident, halibut is not allowed in the waters around sooke. If you want halibut and Salmon, port Renfrew is the place to be from what I understand. If in sooke, book with Travis!
Phillip T.
Victoria, British Columbia
Go with a guide for local knowledge. Visit Capโn Hook tackle shop right at the Small Craft Harbor. Great selection of gear and extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff.
5.0
/
5
Go with a guide for local knowledge. Visit Capโn Hook tackle shop right at the Small Craft Harbor. Great selection of gear and extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Lawrence O.
Long Beach, CA
Small town with little services/shopping and no internet or cell service. Good restaurants and limited groceries. Bring food if you are cooking.
4.7
/
5
Small town with little services/shopping and no internet or cell service. Good restaurants and limited groceries. Bring food if you are cooking.
Paul B.
United States